Beer Nut: Homebrewing contest and beer taxes

The great thing about craft beer–especially when one is writing about it–is how far it reaches across our culture.

This makes it both interesting and easy to find compelling topics for a column such as this one. There is a plethora of social aspects, political issues, aesthetic debates, as well as the simple pleasures of enjoying the fruits of brewers' labors.

Of course, sometimes I see several issues that deserve immediate attention, but which don't necessarily dictate a separate column unto themselves. Such is the case today, when we look at a beer tasting raising funds for a good cause and a compelling comparison of beer tax rates.

Kelly's Package Store in Dalton will hold the Berkshires' 2nd Annual Homebrew Festival and Contest on May 19.

Last year's homebrew contest was huge success. More than 12,000 ounces of craft, home brew beer was submitted by 34 entrants. Beer fans and brewers came from as far away as New York, New Hampshire and Boston to take part in the fun. While the official registration period for brewers is closed, if you want to try to be included, Kelly's website says there is still a slim chance by calling (413) 684-0870 and inquiring.

But what is of most interest here is the tasting section of the event. The judging part of the event (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.) is closed to the public, but the 1-4 p.m. tasting section is open to all. Best of all, the proceeds go to benefit the Berkshire Kids’ Place and Violence Prevention Center. Admission is $10 per person.

My second item comes from an email I received from The Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan tax reform organization.

The email included a map indicating the beer tax rate (dollars per gallon) of all 50 states. The range of tax rates was quite amazing to see. The lowest tax rate was from Wyoming, which only charges two cents per gallon. On the other end of the scale, Tennessee charges $1.17 for every gallon sold. Some of these rates fold in other taxes that make them higher, but the bottom line is what consumers care about.

And despite its reputation for being a bastion of tax-and-spend liberals, our so-called state of "Taxachusetts" does quite well on this list, coming in with the seventh lowest rate: only 11 cents per gallon. This compares very favorably with our neighboring states. Connecticut charges 23 cents a gallon, Vermont charges 27 cents per gallon, and the good old "live free or die" state, New Hampshire, clearly doesn't want you to drink free or die: they charge the highest of the New England states at 30 cents per gallon. (Rhode Island ties Massachusetts, also charging just 11 cents.)